Session: 02-02 Risk Assessment and Waste Optimization

Paper Number: 109980

109980 - European Initiatives to Reduce Nuclear Waste Volumes During Decommissioning by Harmonization and Support to Standardization 

The EC supports several initiatives to reduce the nuclear waste volume production during decommissioning by enhancing harmonization and supporting standardization. We consider three EU projects to illustrate this objective: INSIDER (https://insider-h2020.eu/), HARPERS (https://www.harpers-h2020.eu/) and SHARE (https://share-h2020.eu/).

In this presentation, we mainly focus on some of the notable outcomes of the INSIDER project, which was finalized in 2021. The INSIDER project aimed at the development and validation of a new and improved integrated characterization methodology and strategy during nuclear decommissioning. Methods were tested and applied in various use cases (UC), covering a large diversity of D&D installation configurations: (UC1) an effluent tank containing low level liquid waste, (UC2) the concrete biological shield of a pressurized water reactor, (UC3a) contaminated soil on a nuclear facility that was devoted to radiochemistry on trans-uranium elements and (UC3b) the graphite moderator and reflector of a gas-cooled graphite-moderated reactor. A long number of guidelines and recommendations were produced, taking into account benchmark exercises organized during the project. We will highlight the following impacting deliverables: (1) A web tool providing a statistical approach guideline to apply a sampling design and data analysis strategy called STRATEGIST (https://strategist.sckcen.be/) and a recommendation guide for uncertainty budget evaluation; and (2) a tool to assist in the selection and implementation of in situ measurements in the case of sites in a constrained called INSPECT.

One of the strategic objectives of the INSIDER project was to establish common methodologies to deploy reference guidelines in the field of the decommissioning of nuclear facilities. To achieve this goal, existing guidelines and standards have been mapped. At a first glance, various aspects within the field appeared to be unequally covered by standards. This is particularly the case for in-situ measurements. In any case, the future exploitation of the work performed within the INSIDER project requires the transfer of knowledge and results from the project to international organizations and standardization bodies such as IAEA, ISO, ASTM, etc. Such exploitation is the main aim of the in 2022 initiated HARPERS project, establishing and clarifying the benefits and added value of more aligned and harmonized regulations and standards for prioritized topics related to decommissioning and initial phases of radioactive waste handling, including shared processing facilities between EU Member States.

To ensure that decommissioning can be implemented in a safe, effective and sustainable manner, the SHARE project last year provided an inclusive roadmap and strategic research agenda on decommissioning research for stakeholders in Europe and beyond. International standardization and harmonization is usually ranked with high importance and urgency for various aspects within the six thematic areas considered, namely Safety, Radiological Protection & Resources Management; Characterization, Material and Waste Management; Site Preparatory Activities Dismantling, Decontamination & Demolition; Environmental Remediation and Final Release. The roadmap will serve as an input for the EU R&D projects in the area of decommissioning and waste management that will be initiated on the short term.

Presenting Author: Sven Boden SCK CEN

Presenting Author Biography: Sven Boden is a Nuclear Engineer who works about 30 years for the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN. He is leader of the characterization & measurements group within the Dismantling, Decontamination and Waste expert group and has been involved in finalized decommissioning projects such as the Belgonucleaire MOX plant and the Thetis open pool reactor. At, present Sven is working in several Belgian decommissioning projects such as the Belgian Reactor 3 Pressurized Water reactor and in Belgian and EU RD&D projects in the field of material radiological characterization in view of waste management and decommissioning.